Community Calendar

People are encouraged to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published.

Thursday, Feb. 20

Free Home Buyer Class will be held on Feb. 20 at 4 Corners Properties in Cortez. Learn the basic information you need to start buying a home. Register now, space is limited. Call or email Terry Woodrow at 560-1318, Terrywoodrow@gmail.com to sign up.

The Piñon Project Family Resource Center is pleased to announce an offering of a free 6 week, 12 hour workshop called “Making Money Work For You”. This workshop will meet at The Piñon Project, 300 N. Elm in Cortez on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. Classes are scheduled beginning Thursday Feb, 20. A meal is provided starting at 5:30 p.m. There is no cost for this course and licensed childcare will be provided free. For information and to register, please call Lara at The Piñon Project at 564-1195.

Meeting of the Montezuma County Democrat Central Committee will be Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at The Spruce Tree Espresso House on Main in Cortez. The Central Committee is the Officers and Precinct Committee People and or anybody interested in becoming a Precinct Committee Person from their precinct. Contact Ric Plese at 739-4365 if you have any questions.

The public is invited to get to know local candidates on Feb. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at First National Bank on 2258 E. Main. Call Rosemarie Beall, VP-Republican Women of Montezuma County at 564-1576.

Friday, Feb. 21 & Saturday, Feb. 22

The Sixth Annual Homegrown Food Retreat will be at Fort Lewis College in the Student Union Ballroom on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Coordinated by Southwest Colorado and sponsored by Zia Taqueria, Fort Lewis College Environmental Center, Sodexo, CSU Extension and Durango Natural Foods. The cost is $15 and suggested donation for lunch. For more information or to RSVP visit www.growingpartners.org.

There will be a free clinic on Chronic Pain and inflammation using Tai Chi and Qigong taught by Susan Matthews at the Shanti School of Taijiquan, Millennium Center for the Performing Arts, 20 W. Main St., Cortez on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn relaxation techniques for better posture, plus nutrition essentials. Call 970-903-5723 or visit www.susanmatthews.com for more information.

Friday, Feb. 21

Enjoy live blues, swing and fine dining at the Kennebec cafe in Hesperus, featuring ROSCOE on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m. Check out the Kennebec’s recent expansion with a dazzling new bar.

The Bridge Emergency Shelter will have their 7th annual Soups of the World on Feb. 22 beginning at 5 p.m. with dessert auction beginning at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St. in Cortez. Tickets cost $10 and kids under 12 are free. This year, soup bowls made and donated by Southwest Open School Students will be sold for an additional $10. If you are interested in donating a homemade baked good call 565-9808.

Reach The Peak will be held at the Montezuma County Annex on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Create the Community action plan for Cortez. Free hearty brunch and live music from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. featuring Moe of the Moetones. Door Prizes! If you require children to attend this event please call 564-4079

The public is invited to join SJMA for a Kids and Families Nature Hike in Sand Canyon on Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 759-1170 or email gabi@sjma.org for more information or to register. Sponsored by SJMA, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, BLM Tres Rios, and San Juan National Forest.

Thursday, Feb. 27

The public is invited to the Cortez Public Library Storytime on Feb. 27 to join children’s author Melanie Milburn while she reads her book “Imagination, It’s Up To You.” The library is at 202 N. Park St. in Cortez and can be reached at 565-8117.

“How Can We Help Christianity Evolve?” will be the topic on Feb. 27 at 6:30 for the next “How You Can Be Part of a Christian Community with Integrity and Not Believe All Those Things You Thought You Had to Believe” conversation held at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm). Wine and cheese will be served. Call 565-7865 for information.

Feb. 27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce, 31 W. Main, will have a workshop on “Marketing with Email Newsletters”. Cost is $50 and $40 for Chamber Members. Call 564-7249 to register or for more information.

Friday, Feb. 28

The 9th Annual Lewis Arriola Community Center “Warm Up” chili and cornbread supper will be Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at 21176 MC Road S. (1/2 mile west of US 491). This is the primary fundraiser for the center. Funds raised help offset operating and maintenance expenses. There will be homemade chili and cornbread and an old-fashioned pie auction. Tickets are available at the door for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20 or can be purchased in advance from Chan 882-7318 or Carlo 882-7816.

Sherry Dyess, Montezuma County Treasurer, would like to remind property owners that Feb. 28 is the deadline to pay the first half of your 2013 property taxes. If you have questions concerning your taxes please call 565-7550. Postmarks through Feb. 28 will be accepted.

Through February

“A Literary February” is the February theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St. Storytime is every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join for the craft at 11:15 a.m. For more information, contact the library at 970-565-8117.

The Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., will offer computer classes in February: Feb.13, at 1 p.m., beginning computer class, called Incredibly Basic Computers. On Friday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. the Workforce Center will hold a class on finding a job. On Thursday, Feb. 27, at 1 p.m., there will be a class called Basics II. All classes must be signed up for ahead of time by stopping by or calling the library at 565-8117.

The 20th Annual Pueblo to Pueblo Run-Bike Event will be held April 26 and is now open for registration. Register by visiting www.cortezculturalcenter.org. The Center also seeks health conscious organizations to sponsor the event. Call 565-1151 for more information.

Saturday, March. 1

Get your fix of country music. Come dance with “Country Fix”, at The American Legion, 320 N Harrison, Cortez, CO. Saturday, March 1st, at 7 p.m. $5 cover charge

Sunday, March 2

Dancing with the Cortez Stars will be held at the M-CHS Auditorium on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. This fundraiser for the Millennium Center for the Performing Arts will feature performances by ten local couples, each vying for the coveted “Mirror Ball Trophy.” Tickets are $20. Call Denise at 739-6771 or visit www.comedancetonight.com for more information.

Monday, March 3

SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents award winning concert pianist Charlie Albright at 7 p.m. Monday, March 3, at the Montezuma-Cortez High School Auditorium. Charlie has been hailed as being “among the most gifted musicians of his generation” by the Washington Post. Tickets will be on sale at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757 or Paul Bostrom at 565-9127.

Tuesday, March 4

The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society is pleased to present Linda Honeycutt on March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 Park Street in Cortez to discuss Seven Basketmaker III Black-on-white Bowl Motifs. Linda Honeycutt, now retired, worked as an archaeologist in the Four Corners region for more than 30 years. Contact Kari Schleher at 505-269-4475 with questions.

The Montezuma County Democrat Caucus for 2014 is being held on March 4 at Mesa Elementary School Cafeteria from 6 to 9 p.m. This will be for Precincts 1-10. Precinct 11 (Mancos) will have their Caucus at the Mancos Public Library at the same time. Please contact Ric Plese at 739-4365 for any questions.

Thursday, March 6

A fruit tree pruning workshop will be held on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Southwest Colorado Research station located approximately 17 miles north on hwy 491 and west one-quarter mile on Rd Z. Participants are asked to register by phoning either Montezuma County Extension at 565-3123 or Dolores County Extension at 677-2283. The cost is $15 per person, payable the day of the workshop. You must bring your own chair, water, snacks, lunch and dress in warm clothing. If you want hands-on pruning, bring your loppers or hand pruners. Please leave pets at home.

March 7 and 8

The Presbyterian Women’s Spring Rummage Sale will be March 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington, Cortez. Proceeds are used for mission projects. Call 565-7024 for further information.

Saturday, March 8

There will be a Brain Workshop for Stress, Mindfulness and Brain Health on March 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. taught by Susan Matthews at the Shanti School of Taijiquan, Millennium Center for the Performing Arts, 20 W. Main St., Cortez. Call 970-903-5723 or visit www.susanmatthews.com for more information.

Join Jude & the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project for FREE hands-on pruning workshops in our heritage orchards on Saturday, Feb. 22, March 1, and March 8. Meet at Let It Grow, 90 North Mildred in Cortez at 1:30 p.m. to caravan, or call ahead for directions to the orchard. 565-3099. Dress for the weather, wear boots, gloves, and glasses. Bring water and a snack.

Sunday, March 9

Little League Baseball is now open for registration. Super Saturday registration will take place at the Cortez Recreation Center on Feb. 8 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or at Hibbett Sports on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baseball is open for ages 4 to 15 as of April 30. Cost varies from $55 to $105 according to age. To save money register by Feb. 15, registration closes March 9. Registration forms can be downloaded from cortezlittleleague.com or picked up at the Rec Center, Hibbets, or the Super Saturday events. For more info call 560-3029 or email nicci@cortezlittleleague.com

Friday, March 14

Hope Taylor is the founder of the International Leadership Embassy based out of Washington, DC and he will be presenting “Hope for America – Our Nations Future” on March 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mesa/Canyon rooms at the Cortez Rec Center, 425 Roger Smith Ave. You are welcome to visit ILE-dc.org. They will collect a Free-Will offering. This is sponsored by the Colorado Coalition for Regional Transformation and Community of Believers. For more information call Gregg at 739-3323, Elaine at 739-9785 or Zandra at 739-0920.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with Two Women from Rico, Herstory: Terri Helm and Midge Kirk bring Betty Pellett and Lizzy Knight back to life March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center in the Gallery, $5 members, $7 others. For more information call 565-1151.

Sunday, March 16

Literary Explorations with Jennifer Hope will be March 16 at the Cortez Cultural Center. An Ongoing discussion group, 3rd Sunday of the month, exploring all kinds of writings, both fiction and non-fiction Upstairs at the Center Free, donations welcome. For more information call 565-1151.

Saturday, March 22

There will be a benefit Chili dinner and silent auction for Amy Martin, a mother of three fighting stage 2 breast cancer, to help with medical bills on March 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lewis Arriola Community Center. Kids are $4 and adults are $10. If you would like to donate or need more info call Heather Veach at 560-9316.

The Montezuma County Democrat Party is having their County Assembly on March 22 at 9 a.m. at the Mesa Elementary School Cafeteria. Please contact Ric Pleseat 739-4365 or Orly Lucero if you have any questions.

Wednesday, March 26

Bird’s Eye View Sneak Peak at the 10th annual Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival Diane Cherbak will be at the Cortez Cultural Center on March 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gallery. Free to members, $5 others. For more information call 565-1151.

Monday, March 31

Cortez Cultural Center in collaboration with Conservation Colorado announces, “What does wilderness mean to you?” Youth Poetry Contest. Submission deadline is March 31. Email submissions to Emily@conservationco.org or Anne at annebeach@cortezculturalcenter.org. Poetry reading and awards ceremony with Dave Mason will be April 18 at the Cortez Cultural Center, details to follow. For submission guidelines or more information call 565-1151.

Through March

“Let’s Celebrate!” is the March theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St., Cortez, CO. Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join for the craft at 11:15 a.m. Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program. For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.

Every Thursday Night starting Feb. 20 until March 20 The Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington, will be offering a free meal at 6 p.m. followed by an archeological documentary at 7 p.m. This documentary is about the unearthing of the real location of Mount Sinai, where Moses received the 10 Commandments. Call 749-9774 for more information.

The Cortez Public Library will offer computer classes in March: On March 13 at 1 p.m. the library will be holding a beginning computer class, on searching the Internet. On March 14, at 1 p.m. staff from the Workforce Center will be holding a class on finding a job. On March 27, at 1 p.m. the Library will be holding a computer class on Google Apps. All classes at the library must be signed up for ahead of time, as space is limited. Sign up by stopping by or calling the library at 565-8117.

In the Gallery at the Cortez Cultural Center throughout March: Ann Gray with the Southwest Artists League will show her Oil Painting through March, MCHS Schools, March 1-14, Opening Reception will be March 7 from 5 to 7 p.m., Mancos Schools, March 15-31, Opening Reception will be March 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Through April

Chris Vest exhibit will be April 1-18 at Cortez Cultural Center, opening reception April 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information call 565-1151.

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings will be the first Monday of every month at noon at the Cortez Office at 2409 E. Empire. For more information, call Matthew at 570-8001.

The Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month (except January and February). For more information, call 565-2197.

First Tuesday

American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. For more information, call the Legion at 565-8151.

First Wednesday

At noon the first Wednesday of each month, the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its business lunch forum. For more information and locations, call 565-3414.

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon the first Thursday of every month at Shiloh’s Steakhouse. For more information, email Nicci Crowley, secretary, at nicci.crowley@gmail.com or call 570-9372.

The First Thursday Art Walk will be held in downtown Telluride from 5 to 8 p.m. Listen to Open Art Radio on KOTO from 12 to 1 p.m. on first Thursdays to hear interviews with the artists. Maps are available at participating venues and at the Telluride Arts offices located in the Stronghouse Studios + Gallery at 283 S. Fir St. For more information visit www.tellurideinside.com.

First Friday

First Friday Leadership is held the first Friday of every month at First National Bank in Cortez from 8 to 9 a.m. Join the free event at 7:45 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts. For more information, call Dena at 565-3414.

Second Wednesday

Southwest Inter-Tribal Voice and Montelores Human Rights Committee meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Community Meeting Room in First National Bank. Email Art Neskahi at taachinii@yahoo.com.

Second Thursday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Business After Hours at various locations from 5 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. For more information, call 565-3414.

Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon every second Thursday at Shilo’s Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., in Cortez. For information, call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

A Free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney will be held the second Thursday of every month from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St. Volunteer attorneys will assist one-on-one, via computer link. First come first-served basis.

Third Sunday

Jennifer Hope will host Literary Explorations, a free ongoing discussion group exploring all kinds of writings, both fiction and nonfiction, upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center at 6:30 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.

Third Wednesday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held at noon the third Wednesday of the month at Shiloh Steakhouse. For more information, call 565-3414.

First and Third Thursday’s

Planning committee for the 10th Annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival meets at 10 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend. Call 565-1151 for details.

Fourth Tuesday

A new Republican woman’s club has been formed locally called 4 Corners Republican Women’s Club. Regular meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk’s Lodge. For more information, please call 565-2197.

Every Sunday

First United Methodist Church has a Native American Worship Service at 2 p.m. every Sunday. For more information call 565-3002.

Every Monday

The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers as they begin rehearsals for the fall season. The choir practices at 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings at First United Methodist Church in Cortez, 515 N. Park. For more information, call Director Ruth Wilson Francisco at 872-3870.

Every Wednesday

The Way Christian Church has a Bible Studies class every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Every Thursday

Free Community Dinner every Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington. Donation is always appreciated. Call 565-3709 for more information.

Every Friday

Every Friday at 6 p.m. the Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B’Yeshua) will begin a new Bible Study Series: “Survey of Messianic Judaism” at Baptist Chapel, 1509 Colorado Hwy 145. For more information, call 970-562-4217 or email info@byeshua.org

Every Saturday

Etz-Chayim B’Yeshua (Tree of Life In’Jesus) has a new start time, which will be on Saturday’s at 10 a.m at 1509 Hwy 145 in Cortez. Finishing up our “Survey of Messianic Judaism” Feb. 22: The Torah of the Messiah, A Tree of Life, March 1: Holiness, March 8: Program and Structure, March 15: Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel. For more information call 970-562-4217 or visit www.byeshua.org

Community calendar

Email announcements to news@cortezjournal.com and include “Community Calendar” in the subject field. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries and the calendar may be edited for length and content.

Monday, March 2

The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs meeting room 110, in the Johnson...